Carine Roitfeld, the longserving editor of French Vogue and the woman widely tipped to take over from Anna Wintour at the fashion magazine's flagship US title, today announced her departure.

Roitfeld will end a decade at the helm of Vogue's Paris operation in the next few weeks, when her replacement will be announced.

The French former model joined Vogue in 2001 after being snapped up by publisher Condé Nast International's chairman, Jonathan Newhouse.

"It is impossible to overstate Carine's powerful contribution to Vogue and to the fields of fashion and magazine publishing," Newhouse said today. "Under her direction, Vogue Paris received record levels of circulation and advertising and editorial success. Carine will be deeply missed. I am extremely grateful to her for what she has achieved."

The 56-year-old writer and stylist got into modelling after being scouted on the streets of Paris by a photographer's assistant aged 18. She later moved into fashion journalism, including writing for Elle, before being offered to the top job at French Vogue by Newhouse.

Within five years of taking the role, she was linked with some of the most prestigious titles in fashion journalism, such was her impact turning round Vogue's then struggling French edition.

In 2008, Roitfeld was widely expected to unseat Wintour as editor-in-chief of the US Vogue, where she worked as a stylist in the late 1990s. Condé Nast quickly dismissed the speculation, though Roitfeld has since been acknowledged as next in line when Wintour retires.

Xavier Romatet, the chairman of Condé Nast France, today said: "I regret Carine's decision, though I understand it. A page turns and begins a new stage for this brand [which is] strong, powerful and sure of its values."

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